36 weeks 2 days

I had my weekly OB/GYN appointment and got some exciting news. Ryan & I will be parents in 2 weeks if not sooner!!!!! We have a tentative c-section scheduled for Monday January 3rd @ 38 weeks 2 days. Could be sooner if at my next scheduled doc appointment (on Monday 12/27 @ 37 weeks 2 days) my amniotic fluid is any lower.

Mom stats:

Weight gained: 23 lbs
No signs of labor
Cervix is still closed & high
Low amniotic fluid

Ava stats:

6lbs 1 oz

bpm 150
Still breech

weekly check ups

Oh Ava…..pregnancy was so easy with you all the way up until the end when you decided not to cooperate & turn head down (stressing mommy out). Your dad says you are going to be hard headed & do things your way just like your mama.

Yesterday I went to the doctor for the 1st of my weekly visits. Everything was normal, but this time I had a cervical exam. Not to my surprise, or the doctor, Ava is still breech and pretty high. The doctor said it doesn’t look like she is going to budge anytime soon. So I'm scheduled for one more ultra sound on Monday 12/20 to check Ava's size, position, & amniotic fluid. Based on that information we will schedule a cesarean birth. When I asked the doc what time frame she was thinking, she said between 38 & 39 weeks. Ahhhhh!!!!!! So I could be a mommy the 1st week in January.

I left the office and didn’t know if I should cry or be happy. Cry because I will not experience labor/delivery & physically bringing Ava into this world (I think that is a major accomplishment for women). Not to mention the major surgery I will go through & the healing process. Happy because I get to meet Ava sooner & get to schedule everything around her BIG day. But once I called Ryan he put everything into perspective. When I told him how I felt…and on the verge of crying, his 1st comment was "she is healthy". Which is true based on everything so far. So I will just suck it up, all I want is what is best for Ava & I. If it’s a cesarean birth so be it ;).

Mom & Ava Stats:

Weight: 24 lbs
Bpm: 152

Counting down...

How far along: 34 weeks 2 days
Weight gained: 20lbs as of last Tuesday at check up.
Sleep: ….its a hit or miss. I'm sleeping with many pillows propping me up, so it takes a while to get in a good position. Then, I get up to use the restroom at least 3 times & have to fix the pillows & get comfortable all over again.
Mood: Great! Just wish Ava was in position (head down) for her up coming arrival.
Energy Level: Still good, just enjoying these last few weeks & taking advantage of being lazy when I can.
Movement: yup. Now they are bigger, more dramatic, & always after a meal

Belly button in or out: oh my poor belly button. Its flat and just about even with the rest of my belly. Good thing is I don’t see any signs of stretch marks (keeping my fingers crossed).
Any signs or labor/3rd trimester symptoms: no signs of labor. I still get heartburn pretty darn often, starting to feel puffy/prego face, noticed one day last week my feet were a tad swollen (started to drink a lot more water), & some discomfort in my lower abdominal/pelvic area.
What I miss: wearing my wedding rings :(
Craving/favorite foods: chocolate milk, strawberry pop tarts, spaghetti, cookies & cold milk
Milestones: not much….just riding out the holidays till Ava's big day.
Best moment last week: Christmas parties! My Girls Annual Christmas & Aguilar Annual Christmas party. Pretty sure Ryan's loves that he has DD (designated driver) this year.
Looking forward to: meeting Ava!!!

Still Breech

Our little Ava still is not cooperating. I went in for my regular check up & a 2d ultra sound to see if she is head down yet. Well…nope! She is still in the same position she was in at the last 2 visits. I guess she is pretty comfortable in the Frank Breech position (her little head is right below my right ribs, buttocks are down, & legs are towards my left abdomen). The doctor & ultra sound tech assured me there is still plenty of time, space, & fluid for her to turn head down "if" she wants to.
My next appointment is in 2 weeks on December 14th (@ 35 weeks 3 days) for a regular check up & to assess Ava's position, then discuss our options if needed. After that appointment I will start to see my doctor weekly. Ahhhhhhhh!! So crazy! I cant believe how close I am to being a mommy. I can't wait!

Mom & Ava's Stats:

My weigh gain: 20 lbs
Ava's bpm: 142
By her u/s Ava's is @ 5lbs & measuring a week ahead

Maternity Pictures

They're in!!!! My fabulous & talented aunt Rosie took a couple maternity pictures of me back in October (@ 7 months).

Here are a few of my favs...Enjoy!

8 months

We are officially in our 8th month…32 weeks & 2 days to be exact ;). I'm still feeling great. No major complaints here. Just getting excited about Thanksgiving & all the yummy food.



Not much going on at the Nixon house. I have been putting away all the fall decorations & had Ryan get all the Christmas decorations down from the attic. I plan to start decorating for Christmas next weekend.
I cant believe this will be our last Thanksgiving & Christmas with just us (Ryan & I plus our fur-babies). Wow…after 8 years together Ryan & I will finally be parents. Next year we will have our little Ava! I'm extremely happy to become a family of 3 and look forward to seeing Ryan with his little girl.
I have a lot to be Thankful this year. My wonderful husband, loving family, great friends, health/smooth pregnancy, and most importantly to conceive a baby. 2010 has been a GREAT Year!

Hope everyone has a safe & Happy Thanksgiving!!

3rd & last baby shower

This past Saturday I had my last baby shower. Although the weather could have been much better (as we planned to have part of the party outside), I still had an AMAZING time. We had a GREAT turn out. A mixture of my family, Ryan's family, & my high school girlfriends. What more could a girl ask for!!!

Here are some pictures:

My mother & wonderful hostess

She did a GREAT job! Who would have known that morning she was stressing.

The Nixon Ladies

Oh and the fun games!

My God Mother Olga (in the photo) won the toilet paper game.

Cute little diaper cake my Aunt Mary made.

Ava received A LOT of gifts. She is already one spoiled little girl. I can't wait to show her off to the many people who have showered her with gifts.

59 day to go......

oh Ava....

...Our little girl is NOT head down & was being very stubborn during the 3d ultrasound. It started off good with the photo below, then went down hill from there. We got 1 decent shot then Ava literally turned around. The ultrasound tech made me lay on my side, sit up, and even shook my belly a couple times to get Ava to cooperate.
After about 20 minutes we called it a day. The tech advised that I do some exercises (get on all 4's & raise my butt in the air, giving Ava room to move "if" she wants to) to get Ava to turn head down. She described Ava's position as if she was butt down in a trash can or a V also known as Frank Breech. She also said Ava has chubby cheeks.
So....my next appointment is scheduled for Tuesday November 30th for a check up and another ultra sound. This is a 2d ultra sound to measure Ava & now to see if she has turned head down. The tech said "if" she is head down & we can get a good face shot of her, she will try to get a 3d shot. Yay!

My check up went well. I have gained 18 lbs so far. Little Ava's heart beat is now at 142 bpm.

The weeks are moving along...

(sorry for poor quality photo. taken on camera phone)

How far along: 31 weeks 2 days
Weight gained: 16 lbs (I feel like I have definitely gained more….we'll see at today's check up appointment)
Sleep: good for the most part, just have to find a position that is comfortable. I'm now sleeping with a pillow in-between my legs & I like to sleep propped up a bit on the pillows.
Mood: GREAT! I feel prepared for this baby. We have checked everything off our "baby to do" list & now plan to just ride out the holidays. I'm still nervous about the delivery. I just hate the unexpected.
Energy level: Good. I do walk much slower then I used to….I guess I do everything a bit slower then I used to.
Movement: yup. I wonder if she is head down. I feel a whole lot more activity in my lower abdomen.
Belly button in or out: flat
Any signs of labor/3rd trimester symptoms: just heartburn! I started to carry Tums in my purse.
What I miss: wearing my wedding rings
Craving/favorite foods: chocolate milk and now I like to snack on strawberry pop tarts
Milestones: We took a 1st time parent class at the hospital. It was very beneficial for Ryan & I since both of us have never been around babies or cared for a baby. We have received plenty of advice, but it was better to hear it from a registered nurse. Plus some things we have heard are old wives tale or to be honest, times have just changed. The most common word of advice I've heard is, "when its your own baby it just comes natural." Well, I just want to make sure once my mom leaves Ryan & I alone with Ava I didn’t freak out. Haha!
Now I know we both feel much better about becoming parents. We feel prepared. The next class I want to take is an infant CPR class. We may not get to it before she is here, but I want to definitely take it before she starts eating solid foods.
Best moment last week: My all girl baby shower! It's just what I needed. Girl time with my family & friends. We had a GREAT turn out & Ava got so many wonderful gifts.

Looking forward to: round 2 of our 3d ultra sound this afternoon. I REALLY hope Ava cooperates with us today. I'm almost positive this is our last ultrasound to see her before she is born.

Mama Update

How far along: 30 weeks 2 days
Weight gained: 16 lbs
Sleep: absolutely no problem here….Ryan says as soon as I hit the pillow I'm O-U-T.
Mood: GREAT! Realizing this baby will be here very soon. We have 7 weeks till she is full term & 10 weeks till her due date.
Energy level: pretty good for the most part. I do find myself getting tired after cleaning the house or after a long day of running errands/shopping.

Movement: oh yes. Some are little taps, then there are gently rubs, or every once in awhile Ava will give me a strong jab.
Belly button in or out: flat
Any signs of labor/3rd trimester symptoms: no signs of labor, just awful heartburn. I have never, ever experienced heartburn. Now I'm scared to eat something because I think it may cause heartburn
What I miss: wearing my wedding rings
Craving/favorite foods: chocolate milk! I cant get enough.
Milestones: I took a breastfeeding class last week. Funny story - I didn’t make or even ask Ryan to attend the class. I thought, really why does my husband need to go, why make him suffer through a 2 hour class learning about breastfeeding. Well….I guess I'm the only wife that thinks like that. Hahaha! I went to the class at the hospital & I was the ONLY single parent, until another single lady walked in by herself late. AND to top it off I wasn't wearing my wedding rings, so I felt like a knocked up baby mama in there with no hubby :(. It's pretty funny now! I was texting Ryan pretty upset & sad then (must have been the hormones), but it was my choice to not have him come with me. Anyhow, the class was GREAT! I learned many, many things about breastfeeding & now its up to me if I want to pursue it.
Best moment last week: Ryan & I had our marriage blessed & it is now recognized by the Catholic Church
Looking forward to: My last baby shower this weekend. It will be a GREAT time with family & friends. Then we have round 2 with the 3d ultra sound next Tuesday. I really hope Ava gives us a good shot of her.

3d Ultra Sound

We had our 3d ultrasound today. We spent a little over 20 minutes with the ultra sound tech & only got 1 decent shot of our baby girl. The tech said her positioning (head high in my abdomen) made it very difficult to get a good picture. Plus, when the tech “thought” she could get a good shot, Ava would put her hands up near her face.
So we are getting another 3d ultra sound at my next appointment scheduled for Tuesday 11/16. Hopefully our baby girl will cooperate then.

Mama & Ava stats:

Ava's heart rate: 144bpm

My weight: up 16 lbs

Can you see her little face? She has her 2 little fist right below her face.

We did it AGAIN....

Ryan and I had our Catholic Marriage Blessing yesterday at St. Mary' in LaPorte with Father Gary. It was a nice intimate mass with just us and my dad as our witness. We were surprised that it was a full mass & pretty much a full Catholic Wedding. Now we have 2 anniversary dates, October 18th we were legally married & October 30th we were married by the church.

I'm so glad our marriage is now recognized by the Catholic Church. I look forward to Ava having a strong upbringing in the church, just as I did.

We are in our 3rd trimester!!!

How far along: 28 weeks 2 days
Weigh gained: 16 lbs but feels like so much more. Finally realized I shouldn't be wearing my wedding rings. Some days it's harder then others to slide them on, so I have tucked them away in a safe place until after Ava is here.
Sleep: No problem here ;)
Maternity Clothes: Probably the only thing I'm wearing these days. I have a favorite pair of maternity pants I LOVE to put on when I get home from work. I think Ryan is getting sick of seeing me in them so much, but they are so comfortable.
Movement: oh ya & I just LOVE it. She hasn’t had the hiccups yet (that I have noticed). I hear that is a pretty cool feeling.
Belly button in or out: starting to look a little flat.
What I miss: today looking down at my hand & seeing my wedding rings :(

Craving/favorite foods: craving Mexican! My favs are the same. I snack on veggies & ranch dip, cheese & crackers, and I still love warm chocolate chip cookies with milk.

Milestones: Other then in our 3rd trimester…..paid Ava's deposit for daycare & took maternity pictures (I know a tad early, but we wanted a couple for my Moms Baby Shower. I plan to take some @ 8 months of pregnancy too). I will post them when I get them back.
Best moment last week: My work baby shower. It was nice to spend time with co workers just chatting & enjoying yummy food. Ava also got some pretty great gifts.

Looking forward to: A LOT! Our last trimester, our marriage blessing this weekend, 3d ultra sound scheduled for next Tuesday, Baby Shower on 11/13, finishing up last minute touches on Ava's room, the holidays, riding out the last few weeks, & meeting our baby girl.

We are now at 2 week check ups

I had a check up with my OB GYN yesterday & everything went well. I actually went in not knowing what to expect, I mean I just saw her 2 weeks ago. I basically did the usual: urinalysis, weigh in (I'm up 1 lb from last appointment, so 16 lbs so far), blood pressure, checked Ava's little heart rate (at 152), measured my bump & chatted with the doctor. She said everything is moving along great & right on scheduled. I informed her we picked a pediatrician & have 2 classes scheduled for early November (breastfeeding & newborn care).

Our next visit is in 2 weeks on Tuesday, November 2nd for a check up & 3d ultra sounds (I'll be 29 weeks 2 days). I can't wait! I'm so EXCITED to see our little girl. Ryan, however, thinks its pretty creepy. Then we'll have one last ultra sound at 32 weeks. As of now, I continue to see my OB GYN every 2 weeks until I'm 36 weeks & then start going weekly.

Mama Update

How far along: 27 weeks 2 days! 5 more days & I'll be in my 3rd trimester.
Weight gained: 15 lbs
Sleep: just GREAT! Ryan says I'm sleeping harder & breathing heavier. I told him that’s what happens when you carry around an extra 15 lbs…oh & you're welcome. Hahaha!
Maternity Clothes: oh yes! The belly is definitely protruded. I've also pulled the pregnancy card & only wear flats to work now. Bye, Bye cute high heels...
Movement: Ava is just a little wiggle worm in there. She is very active after a full meal. I tend to feel her move more when I'm laying down or sitting at my work desk.
Belly button in or out: still in, just not as deep as before
What I miss: the small things. I miss being able to shave & paint my toes with ease, or reach for something high/low. Even getting out of bed is a little different down. I cant pop up in the morning anymore & get out of bed.
Cravings/favorite foods: I'm hooked on Starbucks Oatmeal for breakfast. So delicious, it has dried fruit & nuts. I really enjoy eating cauliflower, carrots, & broccoli dipped in home made Hidden Valley Ranch. It has been my new after work snack. I still have a sweet tooth too. I like cookies fresh from the oven with a cold glass of milk. I have been craving my dads Chicken & Dumplings .
Milestones: last week we picked a pediatrician. Fabulous lady who is part of the Texas Children's Pediatric Association. We also finished the aesthetics of Ava's room.
Best moment last week: by far our 1st baby shower. It was so nice to visit with all our good friends & Ava got lots of GREAT stuff
Looking forward to: hopefully finalizing her daycare & my work baby shower on Friday 10/22.

And......today is our 2 year anniversary. I'm so blessed to have Ryan in my life. I cant wait to start our little family & see him with Ava. He is going to be a wonderful dad.

Ta Da....

We have made significant progress on Ava’s room. Ryan has really impressed me & has been on the ball with her room. He picked out her paint color, had his guys put up the chair rail & paint. Then he put the crib together & moved the changing table/chest in all by himself. Kudos to my hubby! Once everything was moved in I added a few touches with the decorations I had so far. I must admit I LOVE the way it has turned out, but it’s a work in progress.

Here is a sneak peak at Ava’s room. I will post more pictures once her room in DONE.

Background on room color: When we 1st found out we were having a girl, Ryan asked I don’t go overboard with the pink. So we were going with Pink & Green or Purple & Green bedding, but all I kept looking at was pink, pink, pink and more pink bedding. I mean what if Ava is our only girl. I couldn’t help it, so Ryan gave in to PINK & just asked that her room not be “Hooker Pink” aka bright bubble gum pink.

1st Baby Shower

This past Saturday was our 1st Couples Baby Shower hosted by my college best friends/sorority sisters in Richmond, TX. It was a beautiful fall afternoon. We had a wonderful time with good friends, enjoyed some delicious food, & Ava got LOTS of great stuff.

Below are a couple pictures from Saturday:

Amazing hostesses

Courtney, Kelsie, Me, Nicole, Stephanie, & Ashley

Over 10 years of friendship Hanging out - Jennifer, Melissa, Me, Ashley, & Nicole Hanging out - Mike, Matt, Sammy, Larry, & ShellyA few of Ava's Gifts....

And.........Proud Dad! We didnt get any pictures together :(

Glucose Screening

My doctor appointment went well Tuesday. I knew what to expect & heard all about the nasty glucose drink, but I didn’t think it was all the bad. It tasted like a REALLY sweet Fanta minus the carbonation. I had to drink it in 3 minutes & wait an hour to have my blood checked.

While I waited, I had a check up with my doctor. 1st was the dreaded scale……..but good news, I only gained 4 lbs since my last appointment (I was scared it would be more due to the sweet tooth I have developed lately). Next I got to hear Ava’s heart beat. It was strong at 145. Then we basically chatted about my progress & she answered all my questions. This time I asked if I should get the flu shot (yes), if I need to get the Rhogam shot (no because I’m 0 positive), & about holiday travel (she doesn’t think I should travel far from the hospital @ Christmas since I’ll be full term & we’ll see how I’m progressing @ Thanksgiving). I informed her that I’m in the progress of looking for a pediatrician & I will be scheduling our 3d/4d ultra sound soon.

Hour had pasted, time was up! I was sent to the lab to be pricked & have my blood level checked for gestational diabetes. Lucky for me, my screening came back at 136. Any score between 140 and 200 means that you'll have to take the three-hour glucose tolerance test for a definite diagnosis. So I'm in the clear (whew)!

My next appointment is in 2 weeks on Tuesday October 19th (just 4 days shy of 28 weeks & in my 3rd trimester) for a regular check up. WOW....I can't believe I'm starting to go every 2 weeks now.

25 weeks 2 days

How far along?: 25 weeks 2 days
Weight gained: 11lbs….I have doc appointment tomorrow, so we'll see (eek…kind of nervous because I've developed a sweet tooth lately)
Sleep: Great
Maternity clothes: my favorite store to buy maternity clothes is Target
Movement: She is a VERY active little girl. Ryan felt her for the 1st time Wednesday night while we were laying in bed. He had his hand on my belly & I kept asking him if he felt that, then all of a sudden he did. He immediately took his hand off my belly then looked at me in shock & said that was so weird. Hahaha…I thought it was weird at 1st too, but now I just LOVE it.
Gender: GIRL
Name: is…………Ava Rebecca Nixon. Ryan actually suggested the name Ava & Rebecca is after Ryan's mother.
Belly button in or out?: Still in and applying plenty of lotion to my belly (morning, after work, & evening). My mom didn’t get stretch marks, so I'm banking on the theory that it is hereditary.

What I miss: with all the nice weather we have been having, I really do miss LONG runs. This time last year I would get home from work, strap up Boudreaux and we would go running for 2 to 4 miles. Now the family (Ryan & I plus 2 fur babies) go on evening walks about 3 or 4 times a week. I just want to stay in some sort of shape, Teddy needs to loose weight, Boudreaux is just a crazy lab who needs out of the house, & Ryan is along to keep me company.
Cravings/favorite foods: Sweets! Sweets! Sweets! I have NEVER been a baker, but lately I'll bake muffins in the evening to take to work for breakfast (oh and eat one fresh from the oven).
Milestones: finalized our baby girls name & Ryan feeling her for the 1st time
Best moment this week: Ryan feeling her & getting her furniture in.
Side note from this week: we found out that we are not the only pregnant couple on our street. Oh NO….there are 2 more pregnant couples! ALL 3 of us are having GIRLS & ALL due in January. 1 is due Jan. 4th, I'm due Jan. 15th, & 1 is due Jan 19th………just CRAZY! Other neighbors are joking that April was a busy month on our street. Hahaha!
Looking forward to: Our 1st Baby Shower Saturday Oct. 6th hosted by my college best friends. I can't believe we are at the point of Baby Showers!!! I'm excited, yet nervous just thinking about how much closer we are getting to the arrival of our baby girl. We have 2 other showers planned as well. My work is hosting a shower on Friday October 22nd & my mom is hosting an all Girls Family/LaPorte girlfriends shower Saturday November 13th.

6 months preggers

Mama stats:
How far along?: 24 weeks 2 days

Weight gained: 11lbs…plus some, I'm sure (will update # after my Oct. 5th appointment)

Sleep: Great, just having really weird dreams

Maternity clothes: oh yes! AND just got lots of maternity clothes from one of my oldest friends Chastity Wagner Hay (we have been friends since jr. high / we ran cross country & track together). She is a GREAT mommy to 2 beautiful kids.

Movement: I LOVE feeling her move! I cant wait for Ryan to feel her.

Gender: GIRL

Name: We have 1 name in particular we both love, just don’t know if it’s the "1" yet. Will post as soon as we decide.

Belly button in or out?: Still in, just itches sometimes.

What I miss: Drinking beer & watching football

Cravings/favorite foods: Sweets!! I love a little something sweet & a cold glass of milk.

Milestones: We have reached Viability Day! Viability refers to a point in fetal development at which the fetus may survive outside the womb (but stay put baby, you still have plenty of time in my belly).

Best moment this week: getting a lot marked off our baby "to do" list.

Looking forward to: Getting her furniture!!! It is on back order until Oct. 5th (was Sept. 29th).

WOW....

.......what a difference 10 weeks makes!

at 13 weeks 2 days

today at 23 weeks 2 days

Daycare :(

Yesterday was my 1st day to visit daycares. I had already did some preliminary searching. I had called around to get prices (our area is about 720 - 1050 a month), looked on the Texas Department of Family & Protective Services website for their 2 year inspection summary, & asked friends/coworkers for referrals.

Well it started off horrible. At the 1st daycare it took them a long time to even notice I was there, they were caught off guard by my visit, didn’t have any information for me to take home, too small, not clean enough, & the care givers looked like they just rolled out of bed (yuck). The next one was much better! Very professional when I showed up. They gave me a packet of information, a tour, & explained details about the infant room, but……..the facility was HUGE. All together it could accommodate 250 kids (wow), & they didn’t know if there would be an opening. The 3rd daycare looked great, smelled clean, very bright & fresh, but no one was available to give me a tour. Plus this one was a tad more out of the way then Ryan & I preferred. The last one……was just right!!! It had the best location for both Ryan & I to pick up & drop off, it was a referral from a co-worker, inspection summary was good, great infant curriculum, price was right, & had a monitoring system (I can watch my baby all day long from my work desk). I liked that when I entered the building I couldn’t get into the daycare until someone buzzed me in (later was informed parents get the code to the door & it changes frequently). I was greeted by the director who asked me general questions (name, due date, how did u hear about us, etc) before we proceeded. Then she gave me a tour of the infant room which was clean/fresh, each baby had their own personal crib, all the babies looked happy, the care givers looked friendly & nurturing (playing with all the little ones), great amount of space, lots of toys/activities for the babies, & monitored all day. Ah………what a relief! So I know we have potentially found 1 daycare that would be suitable.

I still want to visit 2 or 3 more this month (just to know that I did my best looking for 1). Once I narrow it down to 2, Ryan & I will visit them together & decide where our little girl will go. It's kind of scary knowing one day we will leave her in the care of a stranger, but I know people do it all the time :(. I've also decided that Ryan will have to take her to daycare the 1st day because I will probably cry. I'm already considering working 1/2 days the 1st week I'm back….and don’t kid yourself, I will be watching that daycare monitor all day on 1 of my 3 computer screens at work (haha!)

So the search is still on………….

22 weeks 2 days

22 weeks 2 days

Not much going on in the Nixon household. This past Saturday we met with Father Gary at St. Mary's in LaPorte to discuss getting our marriage blessed (remember our BIG Catholic wedding was ruined by hurricane IKE and we ended up getting married outside the church). This October 18th we will be married 2 years and STILL haven't had it blessed, therefore our marriage is not recognized by the catholic church. Thankfully all our "marriage prep" is still valid. Father Gary gave us his blessing & will perform the ceremony (yay). Ryan & I plan to have the ceremony sometime in October.

This makes me very happy because we plan to have our baby girl baptized shortly after her birth & I really wanted Ryan & I to be in good standing with the catholic church.

Another GREAT doctor appointment!

Baby Nixon

(with her legs bent & her arms by her face)

She did a flip

(this is her facing down. clear picture of her spine & little ear)

Today was a GREAT day! I wasn't going to let this crappy weather ruin it. I woke up knowing I would get to see my little girl. We had an ultrasound & doctor appointment.

First was the ultrasound....and boy has she grown! The tech said she is now 1lb. She was just a moving in there, twisting, and turning. The tech was having a difficult time getting her measurements & good photos.

Then I went to see the doctor (Ryan went back to work). It was short like always. Dr. Schmidt always walks in with a big smile and says everything looks good (ah...such a good feeling). Then I proceed with my list of questions. This time I asked about inducing (yep - she does), episiotomy (yep - she does), when is the best time to schedule the 3D ultrasound (between 28-32 weeks). Then I informed her that I get 8 weeks paid leave from work (no problem), that we already took the hospital tour, & registered with the hospital. This appointment she also measured my bump (I didn't get the measurement, guess I was talking to much). Our next appointment is scheduled for October 5th to have my glucose screening and regular check up.

Mama stats:
How far along?: 21 weeks 3 days

Weight gained: 11lbs

Sleep: Great...only getting up once or twice

Maternity clothes: oh yes! Sucked it up and bought some maternity work slacks. I still fit in my normal work slacks with the belly band, but maternity slacks are so much more comfortable.

Movement: I'm noticing her more & more. She is active in the morning when I'm getting ready & on my ride home from work.

Gender: ultra sound #2 confirming a girl. So its official, I can paint her room pink

Belly button in or out?: in ;)

What I miss: wearing all my cute clothes that I can no longer fit in (or at least fit in & look cute)

Cravings/favorite foods: still love chocolate milk/cinnamon crisp cereal

Milestones: took the required hospital tour, registered with the hospital, & completed our baby registry

Best moment this week: seeing our little girl at the ultrasound

Looking forward to: finally getting started on her room

20 weeks down / 20 weeks to go

20 weeks 2 days

The 1st 20 weeks kind of dragged on. Honestly I think it was because I didn't feel pregnant at all & didn’t get the dreaded morning (afternoon or evening) sickness the 1st trimester. I just felt like I couldn’t do anything I enjoyed; like drinking, eating sushi, or going on long runs. The only "symptom" I had was probably just being exhausted in the evenings. I would go home after work & take a 30 minute to hour nap.

However, as soon as that belly started to poke out @ 17weeks I got into mommy mode. I made Ryan & myself a "To Do List". Ryan's list consists of things to do around the house (to fix/repair something or get one of his "guys" to install or build something). Which, by the way, I'm very impressed with my hubby. He has already checked everything off his list, but 2 things. Unlike me, I haven't even checked one thing off my list. My list consist of everything baby! Basically getting her room in order, finding a day care (this month I'm checking out 5 places), opening her up a college saving account (debating ESA or Texas 529), & creating a baby registry. No worries though, all will be taken care of before our little girl is here.

So 20 more weeks to go! Crazy - Now we are on the down hill slope of this pregnancy….and I know with the holiday right around the corner the last 20 weeks are going to fly by.

Gosh I cant wait to meet her! I wonder who she will look like……..

Mama update

How far along?: 19 weeks 2 days
Weight gained: 7lb (as of last doctor appointment. Refuse to get on my scale at home)
Maternity clothes: hmmm…not feeling them. I hate the 4 work shirts I purchased a couple weeks ago. Only wore 1 of them & refuse to wear the others until I absolutely have to. Still fitting comfortably in a select group of flowing work tops. I'm still wearing my work slacks. Have a couple that are out of rotation, but for the most part use the belly band or tie a hair tie around the button & button insert (trick I learned from one of the nurses at my doctors office).
Sleep: pretty good, trying to adjust to sleeping on my left side.
Movement: I'm pretty sure I felt her a couple times now. At first I doubted myself, but yesterday morning while Ryan & I were walking the dogs I know the feeling I had in my lower stomach was her. It was such a great feeling! I stopped to take it all in & enjoy it (lasted less then a minute).
Gender: GIRL!
Belly button in or out?: so in & still looking like it always has
What I miss: long runs and casual drinks at the house with Ryan. Pretty hard watching him enjoy a glass (or 2,3) of wine at dinner or a couple beers when watching pre season football games.
Cravings/favorite foods: I was craving a lime earlier in the week. So weird, so I ate 1/2 of a key lime (satisfied my craving). My favorite snack right now is chocolate milk & blue berry bread with cream cheese.
Milestones: feeling our baby girl!
Best moment this week: besides feeling her move, the moment Nicole was able to zip up my bridesmaid dress
Looking forward to: lots! Feeling her move more & more. Seeing Ryan's reaction to feeling her move for the 1st time. Picking out her bedding, room décor, & paint color. Getting started on her room. Ah…so much to do & this Saturday I will be 1/2 done with pregnancy.

Another one bits the dust

Ashley & Nate Smith were married this Saturday. It was a gorgeous wedding, the bride was so beautiful in her dress, and the food/cake was amazing.

Court, Kels, Me, Ash, Steph, & Choie

Ashley was the last in our group to marry and I was honored to be apart of the bridal party....and thank god my bridesmaid dress still fit. I had ordered it before I found out I was expecting. It was a little snug around the waist, but I was able to zip it up (whew).

Ryan & I (plus baby Nixon 19 weeks)

Baby Furniture Purchased......Check

We made our 1st purchase for our little girl. I love the furniture we picked out for her. Its a 3 piece nursery set in dark espresso (pictures below are in cherry). We bought the crib, dresser, & changing table. I still want to get the hutch that goes with the changing table. It will provide shelves for books, picture frames, & baby decor. Unfortunately, the furniture wont be here until 9/29 at the earliest. Boo.......but that does give us (Ryan...haha) plenty of time to clear out her room & paint it.

@ mom & dad: Today I'm 18 weeks & feel great! I have more energy, getting better sleep, and enjoying being pregnant. So Ryan & I decided to take a small vacation/baby moon to Galveston for a couple days. We leave tomorrow & come back Wednesday. We are staying at The Galvez & looking forward to relaxing, pool time, Ryan is playing golf, I'm getting a prenatal massage, oh and lots of yummy restaurants (ya). I cant wait! I will post pictures when we return.

Short & Sweet doctor appointment

Today I had a doctors appointment (I was hoping an ultra sound too, but nope...next time). I was in & out. It took longer to wait for the doctor & lab tech then the actual appointment.

All went well! Everything is moving along just as it should. The nurse checked our baby's heart rate. It was 152. Then I briefly spoke with the doctor about my current concerns & questions. This time I asked about making a dental appointment (A OK), my weight gain (gaining steady & as needed), possibility of baby gender changing or if I was informed too early (baby gender is positively a girl/ultra sound tech had a good view of baby), & she reassured me the spotting scare was normal in some pregnancies.

Next I was sent to the lab to have some blood taken for more test to check for the following:

• treatable health problems in the mother that can affect the baby's health
• check for the chance that the baby has certain congenital, genetic, chromosomal problems, or any certain types of fetal abnormalities

My next scheduled appointment is Tuesday9/7. We will get another chance to see our baby girl! I cant wait!!! That is my favorite part about doctor visits. We also have a required Maternity Tour scheduled for Friday 9/3. Yes! I know super early, but that was the last Friday tour. Ryan refused to go on a Saturday & have it interfere with college football. Geez....my husband, hopefully this baby doesn't decide to come on a Saturday or Sunday in January @ the big games. haha! Anyhow, the maternity tour will show us the facility & birthing center.

I have a bump

Excuse the wet hair & no make up. It was a lazy Sunday afternoon. Boudreaux wanted to be in the picture too! haha

See the baby bump?! May be little, but there ;)

How far along: 17 weeks 1 days
Maternity clothes: I borrowed 2 belly bands from 1 of my best friends. Ya for saving money! Purchased my 1st shirts in the maternity section for work. So its official - I can fit in maternity clothes, but will try my best to stay in my current wardrobe. Maternity clothes are so ugly.
Weight gained: 7 lbs
Movement: nothing yet
What I miss: long runs
Cravings/favorite foods: still love chocolate milk & baby bell cheese
Milestones: have officially "popped"! This weekend I can honestly say I feel pregnant. Ryan has even noticed. I was helping him clean the back patio & he said, "you look pregnant." Aw thanks babe ;).
Look forward to: We are both looking forward to the next couple of months. I can't wait to feel her move. We are also shopping around for baby furniture & bedding. Still no name yet. We do have a couple names in mind, but not even close to making a decision.

Mama Update

How far along: 16 weeks 2 days
Maternity clothes: getting a belly band this weekend (seriously doing it!).
Sleep: much better
Movement: nothing yet...doc said I should start to feel something @ 18-20 weeks. cant wait!
Gender: We were Right! A baby girl
What I miss: long runs
Cravings/favorite foods: today I was craving fried okra/still love chocolate milk
Milestones: today I started prenatal yoga. I think I will stick to it. Usually not my type of work out (I like to sweat, feel pain/burn, & be exhausted), but it will work while I'm preggers.

We are having a…..

GIRL!!! Ryan will have another female Capricorn in his life, a little mini me. I can't wait to start shopping.

We were not supposed to find out the gender until next Tuesday, but I had a scare while I was away this past weekend in Austin. Friday night I had spotted a little, and boy did it scare me. So today I went to the obgyn for an unscheduled ultra sound. The doctor said there is absolutely nothing wrong. Some women will spot after their 1st trimester from either walking/working out too much, after sex, not getting enough fluids, or just old blood in the cervix.

Ah (sign of relief)…..made me realize just how much I love this little baby in my belly.